Black youngsters go to Westminster

A group of 11 young black people from Bristol are in Westminster today, Tuesday, November 21, 2006 as part of a two-day expedition to find out more about how Westminster works.

The visit - at the invitation of deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott - will also be an opportunity for the young people to have their say on events planned for 2007, commemorating the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

Highlights of the visit include a minister question time where topical issues such as education, the environment and the role of young people in today's society will be discussed, a visit to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich and a tour of the Palace of Westminster.

Bristol's young people will be joined by groups of young people from Hull and Liverpool.

"When John Prescott invited us to visit Westminster, we jumped at the chance," said Simba Tongogara, project manager of St Paul's Youth Promotion.

"All too often the voices of young black people go unheard. This is an exciting opportunity for young people from Bristol to meet the decision makers and find out more about how they really work.

"We are looking forward to meeting other young people and sharing ideas about the bi-centenary of the slave trade act, and in particular its legacy for young people."

. Bristol is one of four cities in England leading on events and

activities commemorating Abolition 200 in 2007. Bristol, along with Liverpool, Hull and London, will be announcing its Abolition 200 programme in December.

Press Release November 2006